With funding support from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative ("MTC"), SEBANE is working to remove regulatory barriers to the development of small and behind the meter renewable generation resources. Key focus areas include:
Interconnection
Interconnection standards are the rules that govern the hook-up of PV systems to the electric grid. SEBANE has worked with a collaborative of utilities and other interested parties to develop a proposed set of uniform, streamlined standards.
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Standby Rates
Standby rates penalize PV and other on-site generation by imposing utility distribution charges on electricity that the customer generates on-site as well as on electricity that the utility delivers to the customer over the grid. SEBANE has opposed standby charges, and helped to negotiate a settlement agreement exempting all renewable generation in the NSTAR Electric territory from standby charges.
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Net metering
Net metering allows customers with PV systems to run their electric meters backwards when they are generating more electricity than they are using. SEBANE is sponsoring legislation in Massachusetts, Senate Bill 1826, that will expand the size of systems eligible for net metering and allow the customer to carry any net generation forward from month to month.
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New Engl. Generation Information System and Certificate Market Development
The New England Generation Information System ("GIS") is the system that tracks the environmental attributes of electric generation in New England. SEBANE has focused its efforts on ensuring that small and behind the meter generation can participate in the GIS.
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Renewable Portfolio Standard
The Massachusetts Renewable Portfolio Standard ("RPS") requires that, starting in January 2003, all electric generation sold to retail customers in Massachusetts must contain a minimum percentage of new renewables. The percentage starts at 1% and increases to 4% by 2009. SEBANE has focused its efforts on ensuring that small and behind the meter generation can participate in the RPS. Information regarding the RPS is available on the web site of the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources (DOER). DOER
Regulatory Committee
The activities of the SEBANE regulatory barriers project are guided by the SEBANE regulatory committee. All SEBANE members are eligible to join the committee. For more information, contact SEBANE at 617-227-6980.
